This Code is intended to be read by a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). It provides practical guidance to PCBUs on how to manage risks associated with asbestos, asbestos containing material (ACM) and asbestos-contaminated dust or debris (ACD) at the workplace and thereby minimise the incidence of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
This Code provides information on how to identify the presence of asbestos at the workplace (including where work is being carried out by a PCBU at a residential premise) and how to implement measures to eliminate or minimise the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.
It is recommended that other duty holders, for example, a PCBU who commissions asbestos removal work at a workplace (PCBU who commissions removal work), should read this Code to ensure they are aware of mandatory requirements.
This Code may be used by workers and their health and safety representatives and other people affected by asbestos-related work.
In some cases, the most appropriate control measure determined may be to remove the asbestos. The How to safely remove asbestos: Code of practice provides further guidance for asbestos removalists so asbestos can be removed while eliminating, or where this is not possible, minimising the exposure of workers and other persons to airborne asbestos.
Other laws relating to matters such as environmental protection, public health, building and construction and local government regulation may apply in addition to the WHS Act and WHS Regulations.
This Code applies to all workplaces covered by the WHS Act where asbestos is present and where products and equipment containing asbestos are used and stored.
Some chapters of this Code will apply to asbestos that is present in residential premises when the premises become a workplace.
This code of practice should be read in conjunction with the WHS transitional arrangements.